Cape Henlopen (DE) Fishing

Cape Henlopen State Park is an amazing fishing spot with access to the Delaware Bay. The park’s fishing pier stretches out for a quarter of a mile and provides ample fishing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And if you prefer surf fishing, you can fish from one of Cape Henlopen’s many beaches. To get to the park’s designated fishing areas, simply use one of several dune crossovers – they allow for both pedestrian and vehicle access. Just note that if you plan to drive on the beach, you’ll need a surf fishing permit.

driving directions

At Cape Henlopen State Park anglers can fish from boat, from the pier or in the surf. Two favorite surf fishing locations are Lewes and Rehoboth Beach. While the beach and fishing pier are open year-round, you must access these areas during regular park hours, which are 8 am to sundown. There are no entrance fees during “off-season,” which is November through April.

There are two beach access roads that lead to great fishing destinations. One of these roads leads out to Herring Point—a favorite fishing hotspot among anglers. During early spring, anglers can snag black drum, winter flounder, and striped bass. Stripers, summer flounder, dog fish, rays, spot, croaker, king fish, mackerel, and rudder fish are prevalent in the summer months. In the fall, anglers catch bluefish and fall striper. Winter fishing is challenging as the surf is often rough.

The second access road takes you out to Cape Henlopen Point. Here you can fish the surf of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the calmer waters of the Delaware River on the other. Tides bring many baitfish into the harbor, with game fish in hot pursuit looking for an easy meal.

The quarter mile-long Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier offers many fishing opportunities. Fish found here include summer flounder, blue fish, striped bass, sea trout, rays, flounder, and croaker, depending on the season. When fishing on the pier, come prepared for weather extremes including harsh winds, rainstorms, and heat.